Slain Indian soldier Hemraj’s widow and mother end fast after assurances

LUCKNOW: The widow and mother of slain soldier, Hemraj Singh, ended their six-day fast after several politicians reached their village, Khairair, in Mathura to assure that all steps will be taken to get back the severed head. UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, MoS for defence Jitendra Singh and BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj, Nitin Gadkari and Rajnath Singh visited the family on Monday.

Yadav said the state government had announced Rs 25-lakh compensation for the family and development work in the village would be carried out in the memory of Hemraj Singh.

Hemraj’s widow Dharmawati and mother Meena Devi had been on an indefinite fast demanding that his severed head be brought back. Swaraj said: “We must seek revenge for the unprovoked and ghastly act by Pakistani Army.

If we cannot get Hemraj Singh’s head, we should get 10 of theirs (Pakistan army’s).” Jitendra Singh said the Centre has announced a compensation of Rs 46 lakh for the family. He said they are also trying to get a petrol pump allotted to the family.